SPONS RED CONTENT
The hands-on robotics operation and programming is a popular subject among students at SJR State and a favorite for Logan Bowser.
SJR State student Logan Bowser develops the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot equipment in the lab.
MANUFACTUR at SJR
As Northeast Florida rapidly emerges as one of the largest manufacturing regions in the state— fueling economic diversification and job creation— St. Johns River State College is stepping up to help meet the demand. Through its workforce programs, the college is producing a new generation of skilled professionals equipped with the technical expertise today ' s manufacturers need.
SJR State’ s Manufacturing Prep Accelerated Program( MPAP), Engineering Technology; Mechatronics; and Robotics and Simulation Technician certificate and degree programs are helping to meet a critical regional need, said Russ Berger, SJR State Director of Community and Corporate Education.
“ From 2019 to 2023, the state added more than 36,000 manufacturing jobs— nearly a 10 % increase, far outpacing the national rate,” Berger said.“ The region’ s diverse industrial base— ranging from aerospace and medical devices to food processing and logistics— depends on a steady pipeline of job-ready technicians who can operate, maintain and improve modern production lines.”
More than 260 students have completed certifications at SJR State, with many finding careers with companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Georgia- Pacific, Vac-Con, Grace Aerospace and the Fleet Readiness Center Southeast.
Recent SJR State graduate Logan Bowser credits his instructors for showing the diversity of fields and specializations related to manufacturing through the program.“ It’ s opened my eyes to a lot of career possibilities and ways to advance yourself through certifications,” Bower said.“ There’ s so many different opportunities for growth and development that the industry seems limitless.”
In the MPAP program, through a mix of hands-
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